Assembly for forming seal on conduit

Abstract

To provide an assembly for forming a seal on a conduit in particular, in a field of sealing the conduit.SOLUTION: An assembly is for forming a seal surrounding a conduit 100. The assembly includes a mold having a plurality of sections fitted to each other to form a cavity extending around the conduit. A holding plate is configured to be mounted to the conduit and is disposed to come into contact with the mold. A knuckle has a clamshell configuration having a first jaw and a second jaw, and the first jaw and the second jaw are connected by a connector to enable turning together and are movable between an opening position and a closing position. A spring clip is disposed between the knuckle and the holding plate. The spring clip is configured to apply force for maintaining contact of the holding plate with the mold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of sealing conduits, and more particularly to an assembly for forming a seal on a conduit. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0002] It is often necessary to apply a sealant around the exterior of a conduit. For example, a sealant is applied around a joint in a pipe to prevent liquids from leaking out. Another example includes applying a sealant to a tube containing electrical wiring to prevent corrosion. Another example is applying a sealant to a conduit that extends through a wall to maintain the fire rating of the wall.

[0003]

[0003] The process of applying a sealant is often performed manually by a technician. The process involves the technician first accessing the conduit to which the sealant is to be applied. This may include, but is not limited to, removing insulating or other material attached to the conduit or removing nearby material located in close proximity to the conduit. Once accessed, the conduit is cleaned to allow the sealant to be secured to the conduit. The sealant is then applied to the conduit.

[0004]

[0004] Often, conduits are located in locations where it is difficult to apply sealant. For example, the conduit may extend through a wall or bulkhead. Furthermore, the conduit may be located in locations where it is difficult for a technician to visually verify that the sealant has extended completely around the conduit and covered it (e.g., extended completely around the exterior of a joint). One particular example is ensuring that the sealant has been applied completely around the pipe when the pipe is located within an opening in a bulkhead and the technician cannot visually see one or more sections of the pipe.

[0005] Another challenge is protecting the sealant after it has been applied to the conduit while it cures. To ensure that the sealant is not disturbed after it has been applied, technicians are often required to refrain from working in the area of ​​the conduit. For example, a technician may apply sealant to a conduit and then be required to not perform any other work in the area during the curing period. This can be difficult when multiple different tasks are required in an area, or if the conduit requires other work to be performed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One aspect is directed to an assembly for forming a seal around a conduit. The assembly includes a mold having multiple sections that fit together to form a cavity extending around the conduit. A retainer plate is configured to attach to the conduit and positioned in contact with the mold. A knuckle has a clamshell configuration having a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw and second jaw being pivotally connected together by a connector and movable between an open position and a closed position. A spring clip is positioned between the knuckle and the retainer plate, the spring clip configured to apply a force to maintain the retainer plate in contact with the mold.

[0007] In another aspect, the first jaw and the second jaw each include an inner edge that aligns in the closed position to extend circumferentially around the conduit.

[0008]

[0008] In another aspect, a retaining clip is connected to one of the first and second jaws of the knuckle, and the retaining clip is shaped to engage with a mount on the other of the first and second jaws to secure the knuckle in a closed position.

[0009]

[0009] In another aspect, the retaining plate comprises a first section having an outer periphery and a lateral lip extending axially from the outer periphery, the lateral lip being configured to be positioned along the side of the mold to maintain the multiple sections together.

[0010]

[0010] In another aspect, the side lips have a tapered shape that presses the mold sections together when the retaining plate is biased by the spring clip.

[0011] In another aspect, one or more openings extend through the mold, positioned along the sides of the mold, and communicate with the cavity.

[0012] In another aspect, the spring clip has a contoured shape with one or more curved sections extending across its width.

[0013]

[0013] One aspect is directed to an assembly for forming a seal around a conduit. The assembly includes a mold, a retaining plate, a spring clip, and a knuckle in a stacked configuration configured to axially align along the conduit. The mold includes a plurality of sections configured to be connected together to extend circumferentially around the conduit. The retaining plate includes a radial section and a lip extending outward from an outer periphery of the radial section, the lip configured to extend circumferentially around a side of the mold. The knuckle is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, an enlarged central opening positions the knuckle at various axial positions along the conduit. In the closed position, a smaller central opening locks the knuckle in one of the axial positions.

[0014] In another aspect, the mold sections include a first half-section and a second half-section, each configured to extend circumferentially around a different angular section of the conduit.

[0015]

[0015] In another aspect, the mold and knuckle each include a central opening configured to receive the conduit and a body configured to extend completely around the conduit.

[0016] In another aspect, a knuckle includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw and the second jaw each include an inner edge and a tip. The knuckle further includes a connector pivotally connecting the first jaw and the second jaw. In the open position, the tips of the first jaw and the second jaw are spaced apart to receive a conduit. In the closed position, the tips of the first jaw and the second jaw are positioned together with the inner edges aligned at the central opening.

[0017]

[0017] In another aspect, the retaining plate includes a central receptacle having an open section, whereby the retaining plate extends circumferentially around a limited angular section of the conduit.

[0018]

[0018] In another aspect, a spring clip is disposed axially between the retaining plate and the knuckle, the spring clip being configured to apply an axial force to the retaining plate.

[0019] In another aspect, the spring clip has one or more curvatures along its width.

[0020] One aspect is directed to a method of attaching an assembly to a conduit to form a seal around the conduit, the method including: positioning a mold around the conduit at a first axial location along the conduit, positioning a retaining plate on the conduit on the first axial side of the mold, attaching a knuckle to the conduit at a second axial location axially spaced along the conduit away from the first axial location, the retaining plate being disposed between the knuckle and the mold, compressing a spring clip disposed between the knuckle and the retaining plate to urge the retaining plate against the first axial side of the mold, and inserting a sealant into a cavity in the mold while the spring clip applies a force to the retaining plate.

[0021]

[0021] In another aspect, the method further includes inserting a spring clip between the knuckle and the retaining plate after attaching the knuckle to the conduit.

[0022]

[0022] In another aspect, positioning the mold around the conduit includes positioning a first section of the mold along a first angle section of the conduit, positioning a second section of the mold along a second angle section of the conduit, abutting the inner edges of the first and second sections together, and forming a joint.

[0023]

[0023] In another aspect, the method further includes contacting a retaining plate against the side of the mold and pressing the first section and the second section together while the spring clip applies a force to the retaining plate.

[0024]

[0024] In another aspect, the method further includes placing the knuckle in an open position with a first jaw and a second jaw of the knuckle spaced apart, inserting a conduit between the first jaw and the second jaw, and moving the first jaw and the second jaw to a closed position extending around the conduit, and locking the first jaw and the second jaw in the closed position.

[0025]

[0025] In another aspect, the method further includes removing the mold, retaining plate, spring clip, and knuckle from the conduit after the sealant has cured.

[0026]

[0026] The above-described features, functions, and advantages can be realized alone in various aspects or can be combined in further multiple aspects, details of which can be confirmed by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1]

[0027] A side schematic view of an assembly connected to a conduit. [Figure 1A]

[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a seal formed on the conduit of FIG. 1; [Figure 2]

[0029] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an assembly connected to a conduit. [Figure 3]

[0030] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a retainer plate positioned along one side of a mold. [Figure 4]

[0031] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a retainer plate positioned along one side of a mold. [Figure 5]

[0032] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a cavity formed within the interior of a mold. [Figure 6]

[0033] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a spring clip. [Figure 7]

[0034] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a knuckle attached to a conduit. [Figure 8]

[0035] 10 is a flow chart of a method of attaching an assembly to a conduit to form a seal around the conduit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028]

[0036] FIG. 1 shows an assembly 10 connected to a conduit 100. The assembly 10 includes a mold having a cavity for receiving a sealant to form a seal on the exterior of the conduit 100. The assembly 10 is configured to remain attached to the conduit 100 while the sealant cures to protect the sealant and allow the seal to form. FIG. 1A shows a seal 200 formed from the cured sealant 210 after removal of the assembly 10. In some embodiments, the assembly 10 is attached to the conduit 100 adjacent to a structural member 110, such as a wall or bulkhead.

[0029]

[0037] FIG. 2 shows an assembly 10 connected to a conduit 100. The assembly 10 is in a stacked arrangement extending axially along the conduit 100. The assembly 10 includes a mold 20 that receives a sealant to form a seal. A retainer plate 30 contacts against the side of the mold 20. A knuckle 50 is configured to connect to the conduit 100. A spring clip 40 is positioned between the knuckle 50 and the retainer plate 30 to apply a force to the retainer plate 30. The force on the retainer plate 30 is transferred to the mold 20 to maintain the position of the mold 20 on the conduit 100.

[0030]

[0038] Mold 20 is configured to receive sealant 210 in liquid form and form seal 200. As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, mold 20 includes a body 22 having an internal cavity 29 that receives sealant 210. Body 22 and cavity 29 can have a variety of shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, mold 20 has a central opening that receives conduit 100. Cavity 29 extends circumferentially around the central opening. Cavity 29 is open along the central opening for attaching seal 200 to conduit 100. In some embodiments, a lower portion of cavity 29 is also open for seal 200 to be attached to structural member 110. In other embodiments, the lower portion is closed by body 22.

[0031]

[0039] The mold 20 includes two or more sections 21 that fit together to form a cavity 29. In some embodiments, such as shown in Figure 3, the mold 20 is formed by two sections 21a, 21b. Each of the two sections 21a, 21b extends substantially half the angular space around the conduit 100. The sections 21a, 21b include inner edges that abut together to form a joint 23. The multi-section construction allows the mold 20 to extend around the conduit 100 and form a continuous cavity 29.

[0032]

[0040] The mold 20 is configured to receive the sealant 210 in liquid form. One or more openings 24 extend through the mold 20 and into the cavity 29. The openings 24 are for inserting the sealant into the cavity 29 when the mold 20 is attached to the conduit 100. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 4 , the mold 20 includes a top 26 and a side 27. The openings 24 are located in the side 27. This arrangement allows the openings 24 to be accessible when the retainer plate 30 is in contact with the top 26 of the mold 20. In one embodiment, at least one opening 24 is located in each of the sections. This allows the openings 24 to be spaced around the cavity 29, allowing the sealant 210 to flow throughout the cavity 29 before curing.

[0033]

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3 , mold 20 includes one or more fulcrums 25. Fulcrum 25 extends radially outward from side 27. Fulcrum 25 forms a mount for applying a force to seal sections 21 when mold 20 is attached to conduit 100 and / or for separating sections from conduit 100 during removal of mold 20. Additionally or alternatively, fulcrums 25 are for handling mold 20. In some embodiments, at least one fulcrum 25 is located on each of sections 21. In one particular embodiment of FIG. 3 , section 21 a includes fulcrum 25 a and section 21 b includes fulcrum 25 b. In one embodiment, fulcrums 25 of different sections are proximate joint 23.

[0034]

[0042] The retaining plate 30 is disposed axially along the assembly 10 at the point where it contacts the mold 20. The retaining plate 30 can be constructed from one or more sections. In some embodiments, the retaining plate 30 is constructed from multiple sections that are combined together to form a ring shape that extends completely around the circumference of the conduit 100. In other embodiments, the retaining plate 30 has an open side that allows the retaining plate 30 to be inserted over the conduit 100. In these embodiments, the retaining plate 30 extends around a limited section of the circumference of the conduit 100.

[0035]

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, the retainer plate 30 includes an upper section 31 and a lip 32. The upper section 31 is sized to extend beyond and contact the top 26 of the mold 20. The lip 32 extends downwardly around the side 27 of the mold 20. The lip 32 includes a tapered interior edge 28 configured to press the sections 21, 22 of the mold 20 together when a force is applied on the retainer plate 30 from above (i.e., in the direction of arrow A in Figure 4).

[0036]

[0044] 5 shows the retainer plate 30 in contact with the mold 20. Specifically, the upper section 31 contacts the top 26 of the mold 20 and the lip 32 contacts the side 27. A cavity 29 within the mold 20 extends around and contacts the conduit 100.

[0037]

[0045] A spring clip 40 is axially positioned along the assembly 10 between the retainer plate 30 and the knuckle 50. The spring clip 40 contacts the upper section 31 of the retainer plate 30 and applies a force to the retainer plate 30. As shown in FIG. 6 , the spring clip 40 includes a base 41. Fingers 42 extend outwardly from the base 41 and are spaced apart by a gap 43. When attached to the conduit 100, the fingers 42 a, 42 b are positioned on either side of the conduit 100 within the gap 43. The base 41 is positioned on one side of the conduit 100 and provides a handle for positioning the spring clip 40.

[0038]

[0046] The spring clip 40 has an undulating shape with one or more curvatures 44 extending along its width. FIG. 6 shows one embodiment with a first curvature along the fingers 42 and a second curvature along the base 41. Other embodiments include a single curvature and three or more curvatures. During use, the spring clip 40 is compressed between the retainer plate 30 and the knuckle 50. When the curvatures 44 are flattened, the spring clip 40 applies a force to the retainer plate 30. The spring clip 40 can be constructed from a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, various metals, plastics, and polymers. In one embodiment, the spring clip 40 is constructed from carbon fiber reinforced polycarbonate (PC-CF). The PC-CF material allows the spring clip 40 to be used for extended periods of time without permanent deformation when compressed within the assembly 10. Furthermore, the PC-CF material will not damage other components of the assembly 10 or the conduit 100. PC-CF also allows for 3D printing of the spring clip 40.

[0039]

[0047] The knuckle 50 is axially disposed on the assembly 10 adjacent to the spring clip 40, opposite the retainer plate 30. The knuckle 50 has a clamshell configuration featuring a first jaw 51 and a second jaw 52. The first jaw 51 and the second jaw 52 are pivotally connected together at a connector 53. As shown in FIG. 7 , the first jaw 51 and the second jaw 52 have curved shapes that mate together to form a ring shape in the closed position. The jaws 51, 52 extend around and form a central opening 54 sized to receive the conduit 100. In one embodiment, the central opening 54 has a circular shape that matches the shape of the conduit 100. In some embodiments, the inner edges of the jaws 51, 52 can be substantially smooth or can be threaded to engage with threads on the conduit 100. A retaining clip 55 extending from one of the jaws 51, 52 engages a mount 56 on the other section. In the closed position, as shown in Figure 7, the retaining clip 55 engages the mount 56 to lock the knuckle 50.

[0040]

[0048] To connect the knuckle 50 to the conduit 100, the first jaw 51 and the second jaw 52 are pivoted apart to an open position. In the open position, the ends of the jaws 51, 52 are spaced apart. The knuckle 50 moves around the conduit 100 with the conduit 100 positioned within the opening 54. The first jaw 51 and the second jaw 52 then pivot around the connector 53 to a closed position, closing the opening 54. The retaining clip 55 then engages the mount 56 to secure the knuckle 50 to the conduit 100.

[0041]

[0049] In use, the mold 20 is positioned around the conduit 100. The retaining plate 30 is positioned on the top 26 of the mold 20 along the conduit 100. Additionally, a knuckle 50 is attached to the conduit 100 adjacent the retaining plate 30. A spring clip 40 is positioned between the retaining plate 30 and the knuckle 50. The spring clip 40 is biased to apply a force to the retaining plate 30. This force is transmitted to the mold 20, holding the mold sections 21 together around the conduit 100. A liquid sealant 210 is inserted into the interior cavity 29 of the mold 20. In some embodiments, the sealant 210 completely fills the cavity 29, while other embodiments insert a smaller amount of sealant 210. The assembly 10 remains attached to the conduit 100 while the sealant 210 cures. The curing process can vary in time depending on the type of sealant and the environment. After the sealant has cured, the knuckle 50 is released from the conduit 100. The spring clip 40 and retaining plate 30 are then also removed from the conduit 100. The mold 20 is removed, leaving the resulting seal 200 formed by the cured sealant 210 on the conduit 100.

[0042]

[0050] The various steps of the process can occur in various orders. In some embodiments, the spring clip 40 is placed on the retaining plate 30, then the knuckle 50 is moved axially along the conduit 100 to contact the spring clip 40, and then locked into place. In some embodiments, during removal of the assembly 10, the spring clip 40 is pulled by the base 41 by a technician prior to removal of the knuckle 50 and mold 20.

[0043]

[0051] 8 illustrates a method of attaching the assembly 10 to the conduit 100 to form a seal 200 therearound. The die 20 is positioned around the conduit 100 at a first axial position (Block 300). The retaining plate 30 is positioned on the conduit 100 on a first axial side of the die 20 (Block 302). The knuckle 50 is attached to the conduit 100 at a second axial position. The second axial position is axially spaced along the conduit 100 away from the first axial position, and the retaining plate 30 is positioned between the knuckle 50 and the die 20 (Block 304). The spring clip 40, positioned between the retaining plate 30 and the knuckle 50, is compressed to press the retaining plate 30 against the first axial side of the die 20 (Block 306). While the spring clip 40 applies a force to the retainer plate 30, the sealant 210 is inserted into the cavity 29 in the mold 20 (block 308).

[0044]

[0052] In some embodiments, the seal 200 is formed along the conduit 100 adjacent to a structural member 110. The structural member 110 may include, but is not limited to, a wall, a bulkhead, a ceiling, and a floor. In other embodiments, the seal 200 is positioned along the conduit 100 away from any structural member 110.

[0045]

[0053] Conduit 100 can include a variety of configurations and have a variety of shapes and sizes. Examples of conduit 100 include, but are not limited to, pipes containing fluids, coating materials for electrical wiring and / or optical fibers. In the example of Figure 5, conduit 100 includes a pipe having a nut 101 and a washer 102.

[0046]

[0054] In some embodiments, the seal 200 includes rounded or cut-off edges to prevent external liquids / moisture from collecting or pooling by providing a smooth flow path for drainage.

[0047]

[0055] The term "substantially" in connection with a quantity or measurement means that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly. Rather, deviations or variations (including, for example, tolerances, measurement errors, measurement accuracy limits, and other factors known to those skilled in the art) may occur to the extent that they do not eliminate the effect intended to be produced by the feature.

[0048]

[0056] The present invention may, of course, be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth herein without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. 1. An assembly for forming a seal around a conduit, comprising: a mold (20) comprising a plurality of sections (21) that fit together to form a cavity (29) extending around the conduit (100); a retaining plate (30) configured to be attached to the conduit (100) and arranged to contact the mold (20); a knuckle (50) with a clamshell configuration having a first jaw (51) and a second jaw (52), the first jaw and the second jaw being pivotally connected together by a connector (53) and movable between an open position and a closed position; and a spring clip (40) disposed between the knuckle (50) and the retainer plate (30) and configured to apply a force to maintain the retainer plate (30) in contact with the mold (20).

2. 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first jaw (51) and the second jaw (52) each include an inner edge that aligns in the closed position to extend circumferentially around the conduit (100).

3. 3. The assembly of claim 2, further comprising a retaining clip (55) connected to one of the first jaw (51) and the second jaw (52) of the knuckle (50), the retaining clip (55) being shaped to engage a mount (56) of the other of the first jaw (51) and the second jaw (52) to secure the knuckle (50) in the closed position.

4. The holding plate (30) a first section (31) having an outer periphery; and a lateral lip (32) extending axially from the outer periphery; 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the lateral lips (32) are configured to be disposed along the sides (27) of the mold (20) to maintain the multiple sections (21) together.

5. 5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the side lips (32) have a tapered shape that presses the multiple sections (21) of the mold (20) together when the retaining plate (30) is biased by the spring clip (40).

6. 2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising one or more openings (24) disposed along a side (27) of the mold (20), extending through the mold (20) and communicating with the cavity (29).

7. 10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the spring clip (40) has a contoured shape with one or more curved sections (44) extending across its width.

8. 1. An assembly for forming a seal around a conduit, comprising: a die (20), a retaining plate (30), a spring clip (40), and a knuckle (50) in a stacked configuration configured to be axially aligned along the conduit (100); The mold (20) comprises a plurality of sections (21) configured to be connected together to extend around the conduit (100); the retaining plate (30) comprises a radial section (31) and a lip (32) extending outward from an outer periphery of the radial section, the lip (32) being configured to extend around a side (27) of the mould (20); The knuckle (50) is configured to move between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position, a central opening (54) having an enlarged size positions the knuckle (50) at various axial positions along the conduit (100), and in the closed position, the central opening (54) having a smaller size locks the knuckle (50) in one of the axial positions.

9. 9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the plurality of sections (21) of the mold (20) comprises a first half-section (21 a) and a second half-section (21 b), each configured to extend around a different angular section of the conduit (100).

10. 9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the die (20) and the knuckle (50) each include a central opening configured to receive the conduit (100) and a body configured to extend completely around the conduit (100).

11. The knuckle (50) a first jaw (51) and a second jaw (52), each having an inner edge and a tip; a connector (53) that pivotally connects the first jaw (51) and the second jaw (52); 9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein in the open position, the tips of the first jaw (51) and the second jaw (52) are spaced apart to receive the conduit (100), and in the closed position, the tips of the first jaw (51) and the second jaw (52) are positioned together with the inner edges aligned at a central opening (54).

12. 9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the retaining plate (30) comprises a central receptacle having an open section such that the retaining plate (30) extends circumferentially around a limited angular section of the conduit (100).

13. 9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the spring clip is axially disposed between the retainer plate and the knuckle, the spring clip being configured to apply an axial force to the retainer plate.

14. 14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the spring clip (40) has one or more curvatures (44) along its width.

15. A method of attaching an assembly to a conduit (100) to form a seal around the conduit, comprising: positioning a die (20) around the conduit (100) at a first axial position along the conduit (100); placing a retaining plate (30) on the conduit (100) on a first axial side of said mold (20); attaching a knuckle (50) to the conduit (100) at a second axial location axially spaced along the conduit (100) away from the first axial location, the retaining plate (30) being disposed between the knuckle (50) and the mold (20); compressing a spring clip (40) disposed between the knuckle (50) and the retaining plate (30) to press the retaining plate (30) against the first axial side of the die (20); and The method includes inserting a sealant (210) into a cavity (29) in the mold (20) while the spring clip (40) applies a force to the retainer plate (30).

16. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising inserting the spring clip (40) between the knuckle (50) and the retaining plate (30) after attaching the knuckle (50) to the conduit (100).

17. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein positioning the mold (20) around the conduit (100) comprises positioning a first section (21 a) of the mold (20) along a first angular section of the conduit (100), positioning a second section (21 b) of the mold (20) along a second angular section of the conduit (100), abutting inner edges of the first section (21 a) and the second section (21 b) together, and forming a joint (23).

18. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising contacting the retaining plate (30) against a side (27) of the mold (20) and pressing the first section (21 a) and the second section (21 b) together while the spring clip (40) applies the force to the retaining plate (30).

19. placing the knuckle (50) in an open position with the first jaw (51) and second jaw (52) of the knuckle (50) spaced apart; Inserting the conduit (100) between the first jaw (51) and the second jaw (52); and 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising moving the first jaw (51) and the second jaw (52) to a closed position extending around the conduit (100) and locking the first jaw (51) and the second jaw (52) in the closed position.

20. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising removing the mold (20), the retaining plate (30), the spring clip (40), and the knuckle (50) from the conduit (100) after the sealant (210) has cured.

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